Tourism operators fear IR changes no holiday

THE potential for workers to trade public holidays in for extra pay could threaten our tourist industry.

Workers would have less time off to visit regions like Mackay.

Mackay tourism operators are concerned by federal government proposals to put public holidays up for grabs at bargaining tables across the country.

The proposed legislation would allow employers and employees to trade public holidays, such as Anzac Day and Christmas Day, for cash.

''We are naturally concerned by the cashing in of leave entitlements and the potential loss to tourism,'' said Mackay Tourism general manager David Phillips.

''Any threat to the domestic tourist industry concerns us greatly,'' he said.

But Mr Phillips welcomed other expected changes to workplace regulations which would allow more flexible working arrangements for employers and employees.

The Mackay and Whitsunday tourism industry employs around 6500 people and generates more than $300 million per year.

Mackay Chamber of Commerce chairman Darryl Camilleri, whose membership includes small businesses across the retail, manufacturing and services industries, expected the workplace changes to be a positive experience as long as people continued to visit Mackay.

''If used responsibly, both parties should benefit,'' Mr Camilleri said.